In This Edition: A Word From The Trustees The YFC DNA Off To Have A Baby! Mettle Updates from Paul and Rob Fliss on Finance Reality Update 24/7 Express NYFC Presents Saltmine Theatre Company Youth Alpha Taster Prayer Points Virtual Back Page

A Word From The Trustees

You may know by now that Randall Williams has left the post of Director of Norwich Youth For Christ. The Trustees have appointed Matt Gooch and Mark Tuma as Joint Acting Directors (Acting Joint Directors implies thespian qualities rather than youth leadership!), and have decided to allow for a time of team building and 'space' before making any major decisions about the leadership of NYFC.

So where does that leave us now? Firstly, in very capable hands! Mark and Matt have already shown themselves to have the qualities we need at present to move NYFC forward. Secondly, it leaves us looking to God for his guidance over the next few months and open to change. Thirdly, it gives the team time to build up confidence and trust.

Where do we go this year and beyond? God knows! And we seek his direction. More work within schools? Big one-off events? 'Reality' is ON this summer – can we build on this? Annual fund-raising projects? You can read inside and in future Bulletins about how these ideas are developing!

At our recent Trustees meeting with Matt and Mark we were all excited and optimistic about 2006 and know that the staff team share the enthusiasm and vision. We do thank them all for their support, patience and trust and urge you to pray – for Matt and Mark, for Fliss, for the team of youth workers, for the Trustees, for our finances (which are stretched to the limit but we thank God for his ever-faithful provision), for the projects, for Bex as she takes maternity leave… there are so many strings to NYFC's bow – pray above all that we meet God's mark!

Margaret Smith, on behalf of the Trustees

The YFC DNA

Every year Youth For Christ staff from centres around the country gather just after Christmas for our Annual Conference. YFC in Britain is so big now that there aren't many hotels that can take us all, so the Conference has settled in North Wales for the last few years, meaning a fair trek cross-country for us Norfolk people! Each year the Conference helps us to re-focus our minds and spirits on the task at hand, and restore our souls in the presence of God.

This year we were privileged to have some great speakers with us for the week, Lon Allison, Director of the Billy Graham Institute of Wheaton College in USA, and Daryll Gardner, Director of YFC in New Zealand. The resounding theme from the Conference, resonating in our heads above all else, was the question of desperation.

To clarify that a little, we don't mean desperation over finances, or for more volunteers, or for direction for the next five years! The desperation we're talking about is desperation for the young people of Norwich. We're talking about the gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, soul-tearing compassion for the harassed and helpless in our schools, our youth clubs, our nightclubs and our neighbourhoods.

Too often the people of God settle for the status quo. We allow ourselves to become anaesthetised to the 90% of Norwich that don't know God, perhaps because we know that engaging with the lost will bring us to desperation. Perhaps we shy away from pressing too deeply into God's heart for our City because we fear the compassion might overwhelm us, causing us to give up some of the comforts and securities we've acquired along the way. When we begin to grasp God's will for the lost, we begin to know true desperation.

This desperation is our DNA. This is what YFC, in Norwich and across the globe, is about. This DNA drives us to go wherever young people are and take them the Good News of Jesus, because they are too precious to let them stay lost. Over the years we've pioneered new methods, new projects and new initiatives, in schools, nightclubs, on-line and even in churches, but the only reason for any of this is to see young people get saved. We long to see more and more young people being set free to live the lives that God always intended for them.

In this Bulletin you'll read about what this DNA has already driven us to do, but you'll also find out about some of the new things coming this year as we look for ever more opportunities to reach young people. One of the things we hope you noticed on the very front page was our new logo. We wanted to make a statement of our shared DNA with YFC across the country, so we've adopted the national branding. It's easy to see things like this as cosmetic, but we hope you understand the deeper heart behind it. More than that, we hope that you too will share this DNA, standing with us in our desperation, and rejoicing with us as young people meet Jesus.

Matt & Mark

Off To Have A Baby

I am just starting to get my head around the fact that soon my bump will decrease in size and I will have a tiny person to look after. I am very excited about it as well as slightly nervous! By the time you read this I will be on maternity leave, please pray for Dave and I and the new addition. I could not go without passing on some wisdom, as I have been told I am wisdom-ous! So here are my five steps in surviving pregnancy when you are a youth worker, based on my last seven months experience. When you take an assembly make sure you don't go alone, and that the other person is willing to take over if you have a sudden spate of morning sickness – Matt Gooch was left standing in an assembly, almost having to do it alone! Don't let your colleagues forget you are pregnant, especially when you want a drink. Glance at you stomach when people are watching, and follow it by 'Is anyone else really in need of a drink?' The word need is essential. You are sure to get a rapid response. Do not panic if you forget names, or if you're upfront at Fridays and bodging everything up, you're pregnant so you can blame that pregnancy head of yours. When you are away with staff, sharing a room with the office manager, bear in mind that she may be slightly nervous of your heavily pregnant state. When she wakes up at 3am hearing your cries of pain, she may panic that you are in labour, not that you just have bad cramp (sorry for scaring you Fliss!). You may find that at stages you find it easier to cry, for no apparent reason. If you want some space in the office, that would be a good time! It clears the room of any male in sight!

We're wishing Bex and Dave all the best for the new arrival, and she would like it known that you can send presents and cards to her care of the office, even after she's gone on leave!

Mettle – A New Resource for 14-18 Year Olds

The dictionary defines 'Mettle' as courage, spirit, character – the quality of a person's disposition or temperament. Mettle is not a 'quick fix' course on Christianity. It's more of an ongoing programme, designed to build Courage, Spirit and Character – essential Christ-like qualities that will help 14-18's make informed choices throughout this rapidly changing and challenging time of their lives. Mettle is easy to adapt for groups of any size and is suitable for those with or without a church background. The resources are all geared towards giving you and your group the opportunity to choose subjects and sessions that are most relevant to your particular situation.

Mettle works through 3 Key activity areas:-

1. Core Sessions - these teach the basics of Christianity and address the gaps in Christian knowledge and experience of many young people. Selection of at least two of the Core Sessions are mandatory and should form the central part of the programme giving plenty of time and space for discussion and developing biblical understanding.
2. Hot Potato Sessions - these offer a choice of challenging and stimulating sessions to get your young people talking openly and responding positively to the peer pressures and hard-hitting issues they face today.
3. Wildcard Sessions - these suggest ways to vary the programme by either socialising as a group or organising a practical activity that could impact the local church and community.

We have a sample pack available to let you check out this resource. Please contact Ang on 07747 471221 or email mettle@norwichyfc.co.uk.

All YFC resources (Mettle, Rock Solid & RS2) are £20 per month for one resource. £35 for two and £45 for all three.

Mettle Daily Bible Readings – A Young Person's Perspective

Over the last months, I have been using the Mettle bible notes. I tend to read the Bible last thing at night, but have not really used bible notes before.

I thought the notes looked tempting, well-presented and easy to read and so far they have been. Every week there is a topic that you can relate to real life such as money or feelings. Every day the notes are based on a few bible verses of which the most important is printed at the top of the page. I found this particularly helpful as my Bible is not always at hand and also it is useful to have the verse to refer back to. After that there is a short text linking the verse to everyday life. Finally, the notes give you a 'challenge', 'prayer' or 'think' for you to consider or do over the next few days. These are all explained very well at the front of the booklet.

It took me about three minutes to read the notes for the day and I found it easy to fit into the evening. I would recommend these Bible notes to teenagers who are looking for an easy way to read the Bible.

Naomi 14 years

Updates

What Is Rob Up To?

Acle NRG (Acle High School, Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm) – We have 12 young people covering the whole age range of the school, but we only have 10 Bibles so they have to share – this is a great problem to have! We have started leading deeper Bible studies and they are very hungry for God's word. As well as the spiritual food we like to offer refreshments, we have been trying apples and bananas instead of biscuits, although a treat of Jammy Dodgers happens now and again! Poringland Rock Solid (Wellspring Free Church, Tuesdays 7-8:15pm) – Open to ages 10 and 11, we have fun, games, tuck, movie clips, dance, music and more, all in an hour and fifteen minutes! The volunteers work very hard to make all this happen. This is a weekly club, and as well as all the mayhem each evening is full of Christian teaching. We have covered Star Wars, The Incredibles, Parents, Money, Fashion and more. This year we have trips planned to the beach, Water fun day, Running Supper, Bowling and more fun. We're also planning a World Vision 24 hour famine again this year in both Poringland and Acle mainly due to interest from young people. This will be the third year we've joined in the famine, and we've seen how the young people engage with God more each time. In the first year they were sceptical about the Christian element, but this year they are asking for it! Overseeing more than 20 volunteers in 12 projects a week is no easy task, but the rewards are worth it. Not all volunteers are full time, but they put in loads of effort. If each of our volunteers shares the Gospel with one young person a month, then just add up what that would mean if each young person made a commitment to follow Christ. Even more, what if they each share with their friends and see them make a commitment. We know its not that straightforward, but we can dream, pray and act on it.

Rob Forder – Fusion Youth Worker in Acle & Poringland

A Quick Update From Paul Roast

The last few months have been challenging and exciting for me. I've moved to a totally new area, made new friends and learnt lots of new names. God 's challenged and is developing my character in new ways, which is not always easy. This is only the beginning of a ministry where I am expectant to see God move powerfully, and sometimes that journey starts from within. I've recently got engaged to my girlfriend too, so there's a lot changing at the moment! It's been a pleasure to meet the young people I work with. I'd love to see God touch them as we push on our journey towards him. The schools have been very welcoming towards me and I've already done many assemblies. Young people and teachers alike seem very open to the message I bring which is awesome to see. Many young people from the schools have started to come to my "Rock Solid" group. These months have also seen the beginning of a Heartsease Youth Service where young people from all over the Heartsease estate can join together to worship God. God's doing lots of encouraging things.

Paul Roast – Fusion Worker

Fliss on Finance

I haven't written a bulletin piece since I joined NYFC in April 2004, so here is my first article and its on Finance! Please stay with me on this one, I know its not the most exciting topic in this bulletin but it is very necessary for this work to happen. I want to first of all share the excitement of looking after the finances. This is often a very traumatic job when you see our bank accounts very close to £0.00 and you know there are bills to pay and pay day is coming up, but it is equally exciting to see God keep on providing as he has done over the years at NYFC. We have some amazing people out there supporting us financially and we are so grateful for your gifts, both on a regular and 'one off' basis. Many of our donors prefer to remain anonymous, but you know who you are, and we thank you! We need more help though – reports tell us that people read articles about charities needing money, but often don't actually realise that they are being asked to give. So, I want to be really clear in saying that we do need more regular predictable income, and I'm asking you if you will give.

Can you give £10.00 or £20.00 a month to Norwich Youth for Christ? Regular giving by standing order means I know we will receive a dependable amount of money every month in our bank account. If you already support us, do you know of anyone who else who would like to invest in our work? We really do need your help.

We have copies of our recent Bulletins and Annual Reviews available if you or other potential supporters require further information. Please call me at the office, and I'll send you copies. Thank you for you time.

Fliss Scofield – Office Manager

Reality Update

If you haven't already marked the 24th to 28th July in your diary this Summer, make sure you get it in soon! Preparations for Reality are gathering momentum, and we're really excited about the prospects for this mix of evangelism and community action. In case you haven't heard about it yet the event is born out of young peoples' experiences at events like Festival Manchester and Soul In The City, which gathered people from across the country to impact those cities. Young people from Norwich who'd travelled to these events formed a vision for something similar here in their home City, and this Summer we're making that vision become Reality.

By the time you read this Bulletin we will have hosted a meeting for church leaders from around the City, and that's one of the most exciting aspects of the venture – churches from across the city joining together for a week of united Kingdom activity! In fact, a project like this wouldn't be possible without the support and partnership of the whole church in Norwich.

Just before Christmas we held a fund-raising ball, organised mostly by some very capable young people! The 150 tickets were quickly snapped up, people had a great time, and we raised nearly £1000 towards the event. We'd like to thank everyone who helped with the event, and particularly Jess Williams, Sue Cossey, and the Ward family for their invaluable efforts!

There's still more to be raised for the event though, so on 25th March we're holding the Reality Barn Dance. Once again tickets are £10, including a ploughman's supper! To buy your ticket just get in touch with Fliss at the office.

24/7

You may remember our involvement in three weeks of 24/7 prayer last Summer. There was a strong feeling as those weeks closed that this was a beginning and not an end. Circumstances have prevented us from running another full-time prayer room yet, but we have been able to set apart a room in our new offices solely for prayer. What's more we've created an online booking system so you can arrange to come and spend an hour praying for our City at a time that suits you. Maybe you could spend a lunch hour praying for those you work with? Maybe you have free time between studying that you could use to pray for everyone facing exams and trials? Maybe you could even use take a day's leave and spend some of it talking with God about what he has in mind?

Whenever you can fit it in (within business hours!), the prayer room is there, a little sacred space in the middle of the City just waiting for someone to pray. To book your time, just click here.

Express

Express is a brand new event for 11-14 year olds from NYFC and friends. Beginning on 12th May, we have three events planned for this year, all aiming to bring together young people from across the county and give them a clear and challenging presentation of the gospel in a high quality event.

If you have some young people fitting this age group you'd like to bring then please get in touch with Matt. We hope to see every Rock Solid group join us, and a few more besides!

NYFC Presents Saltmine Theatre Company

We're really excited to be bringing Saltmine to Norwich this coming Autumn with a brand new production, The Liberator. Details are being confirmed as we go to print, but put October 13th 2006 in your diaries so you can come and join us for the evening.

Youth Alpha Taster

This is your chance to taste the 3 streams of Youth Alpha: Active; Tech; and Lite. Come and experience Youth Alpha, and you can bring your young leaders too. This is your opportunity to 'taste and see' before you launch into your own courses.

Saturday 22nd April, 10 am – 1 pm
St Paul's Church, Hawthorn Avenue, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 6LD

For more details or to book your place please call Ang on 07747 471221 or email her.

We are also the local resource point for Youth Alpha material. There is no charge for this session however an offering will be taken at the end of the event.

Prayer Points

Some of you have asked us for a prayer diary that you can cut out and put in your bibles or pin to the fridge, so here it is, our prayer requests that you can pray all at once or on the specific days.

Monday – Please pray for the team that we start our week refreshed, full of energy for what God has in store for us. Pray that we would grasp every opportunity to share the gospel and be bold in our approach. Pray for youth clubs we are involved in on the Heartsease and in Hellesdon, that the clubs are a safe fun place where the young people learn more about themselves and God.

Tuesday – Pray for our finances, that God would continue to provide for us, and bring us new supporters who can invest in our work. Pray that we are good stewards of the money we receive.

Wednesday – Pray that we continue to have a positive influence in the schools. We are currently involved in, Spooner Row, Framingham Earl High, Poringland Primary, Acle Primary and High, Heartsease Middle and High, Thorpe High, CNS, Hethersett High, Fairway First and Middle, Robert Ketts, Firside Middle, Kinsale Middle, Falcon Middle, Sprowston Middle, George White Middle, Reepham High, Hewitt High, Long Stratton Middle and High. In some we take assemblies or lessons / workshops, in others we help with Christian Unions or run lunch time and after school clubs, or do mentoring. In some we do a mixture of all!

Thursday – We currently have over twenty Rock Solid clubs meeting at different times of the week, all over the city that you can pray for. Pray for Express, the new worship event we are setting up for all the Rock Solid clubs to get together. This will be really evangelistic and we will be giving the young people direct opportunities to become Christians at these events.

Friday – Pray for the youth clubs we are involved in at Wymondham, Sprowston, Reepham, Acle and Poringland. Pray for 'Fridays' – our monthly worship and discipleship event mainly for young Christains.

Saturday – Mostly a day off for the staff. Pray protection over the team and their families, that they are able to get good rest.

Sunday – Pray for the Chruches in Norwich. We have workers in a few, pray for the youth work they are involved with in the churches today.

As this bulletin has said, the most important thing we want is young people coming to know Jesus. Pray in all our work we have the opportunity to see this happen. Pray for the young people that have recently made a committment to follow Jesus, that they would grow in their new faith and this would affect their friends and family around them.

We value your prayer support, just as much as any other. It is vital to our work.

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